Volunteering: ‘It’s the thing to do’

MANSFIELD — Volunteering isn’t just something to pass the time away. As Jerry Fraifogl put it, “It’s the thing to do.”

The 10-year Salvation Army volunteer can be spotted picking up food donations from local grocery stores and restaurants for the Salvation Army of Mansfield on Thursdays with Denny Adam, a six-year Salvation Army volunteer.

Together, the “Thursday crew” as they’re called, collect between 400 and 500 pounds of food, which is then distributed to people in need. Food pickups occur throughout the week with the help of other volunteers at the Salvation Army.

Fraifogl, whose wife Barbara also volunteers at the Salvation Army, said the pickups take about three hours.

“It’s the most important thing that we do all week long,” Fraifogl said.

According to Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap project, Richland County was home to 18,250 food insecure people, equating to 15 percent of the local population in 2017.

Food insecurity refers to the state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. This issue was explored in greater detail in Richland Source’s Hunger in the Heartland series.

For many food-insecure individuals, their budgets don’t allow much room (if any) for groceries; and as a result, they go without food. 

To help keep people from going hungry, many agencies — the Salvation Army included — provide free meals and food donations year-round.

When Pam Zeigler heard about the Salvation Army’s mission during a Leader Unlimited class, she knew it was one she could get behind.

“I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for people that are especially hungry because I just feel like if you have a full stomach you’ll make better decisions,” the Mansfield woman said. “Lack of food can make you do some crazy things.”

Zeigler started volunteering at the Salvation Army on a regular basis about two years ago after retiring from CenturyLink, where she worked for 37 years. 

Zeigler believes there’s no better way to spend her retirement years than by giving back.

“There’s nothing in the world that makes you feel better than giving to somebody else, especially somebody in need,” she said. “There’s no better heartwarming feeling than that.”

Her main duty is organizing the pantry, which she does every Thursday for about seven hours. 

According to Tammy Hunter, case manager at the Salvation Army, the pantry shelves have never looked so good thanks in large part to Zeigler’s hard work.

“The Salvation Army doesn’t have a hired person in (the warehouse/food pantry), so we rely heavily on volunteers. She (Zeigler) is excellent at organizing,” Hunter said.

As an athletic individual, Zeigler said she enjoys the physical work of stocking the pantry and packing/unloading boxes. But more than that, “I just like the joy of seeing the people there that you’re helping,” she said.

Did You Know?

Volunteering is good for. Read more information, including an abridged list of local volunteer opportunities, here. 

Mother-daughter team Donna and Sarah Ash have found how rewarding volunteering can be.

Sarah began serving at the Salvation Army as a student at Mansfield Christian School in 2012. After graduating in 2016, she wanted to continue volunteering, which has become part of her weekly routine.

Each Thursday for about one to two hours, she and her mom help out at the pantry, packing boxes “of course,” Sarah said with a smile. “It’s fun,” she added.

Donna said this opportunity is great for her daughter, who has Down syndrome.

“I think it’s good for her social skills,” Donna said. “She loves to come and is always ready to work.”

That eagerness and enthusiasm to help out is shared by individuals from Richland Newhope Industries who volunteer weekly at the Salvation Army, giving them valuable experience that can help prepare them for the workforce, according to Shenell Jordan, life skills assistant at Richland Newhope Industries.

“It helps get them in the routine of it so when they have their interviews, they’ll be ready and have experience,” Jordan said.

Volunteers are always welcome, and there are plenty of ways to serve beyond food services. Click here to see the many volunteer opportunities at the Salvation Army. 

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